Seek First the Kingdom of God

E. M. H.

How often, when desiring to satisfy some long-felt need, and knowing that it is right that it be satisfied, I have found that not until self-will is hushed and humility and honest sincerity for God's cause are uppermost in my heart, do I receive that which is essential. The need of the hour is often for something more than material things. We must ask to receive "this day our daily bread," and our famished affections will be fed. If we cannot hear for ourselves the voice of Truth, some one will give the helpful word that will feed and satisfy. When we no longer hold on to the idea of the reality of material things and conditions, and seek those things which are from above, we gain a better understanding of God, and of man's relation to Him, and a desire to be more pure, more worthy to be called a child of the kingdom.

"The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof," and our Father-Mother God is always pouring out blessings which we are not aware of. If we were occupied in acknowledging the gifts, perhaps our needs would not be so many and our thoughts would be flowing in more grateful channels.

In Science and Health, p. 34, our Leader speaks of "the receptive thought," and to understand this attitude and maintain it, brings to man the inheritance of the only true riches.

There is a perennial nobleness, and even sacredness, in work. Were he never so benighted, forgetful of his high calling, there is always hope in a man that actually and earnestly works: in idleness alone is there perpetual despair. ... The real desire to get work done will itself lead one more and more to Truth. ... The latest Gospel in this world is, know thy work and do it. ... Know what thou canst work at, and work at it like a Hercules.

Thomas Carlyle.

The precepts of Jesus are the essential element of his religion. Regard these as your rule of life and you build your house upon a rock. Live them out, indeed, and you have entered the kingdom of heaven—you even now enter it.—Channing.

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Among the Churches

November 20, 1902

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